Management of acute asthma in children.

Aims and intended learning outcomes The aim of this article is to update the reader's knowledge of the management of acute exacerbations of childhood asthma. After reading this article you should be able to: ■ Recall the causes, incidence and treatment principles of childhood asthma ■ Recognise the signs of an acute asthmatic attack which indicate the need for referral to hospital ■ Describe the management of an acute asthmatic episode ■ Recognise the importance of consistent advice and good communication for the effective management of asthma in children.